Run:Walk- Day One

Yesterday (Monday) I tried out the run:walk method for the first time. I ran at 2:1 intervals. Two minutes running, one minute walking.

These were my findings:
  • Made time go fast: Maybe since it was a break from my usual routine... I like to mix things up (this applies to most areas of my life).
  • Surprisingly smooth: It was not as difficult to run-walk-run as I thought it would be.
  • Faster Pace: I found that I could run faster for the 2 minutes that I ran. My walking was at a brisk pace, as well.
  • Good workout: Probably due to the faster pace, I felt like I was getting my heart rate up and working my legs.
  • Not a knee-fix: After trying this method, my knee did not feel any better than it does after a straight run.
As I mentioned, my pace was faster using this style. How much faster? Well, my usual pace- when I run the whole way- is at about a 15 minute mile. I've never established this time down to the second because I figured it was enough to know that I'm slow.

Yesterday's run was accurate due to the fact that I had to keep track of the intervals as I ran. The same run that took 40 minutes last Thursday, took 33.50 minutes yesterday. This translates into a 12:21 min/mile. I ran 2.74 miles.

Hmmm... interesting.

Will I keep doing this for my runs? I'm giving my knee a rest and I'll try it again on Thursday (assuming my knee feels better). I plan on doing my 12-mile run on Saturday using intervals, also. After that, I'll play it by ear... er, or should I say foot?

By the way, I bought an icepack for my knee today. I love it! It's very cold and wraps around my knee using a neoprene cover with velcro straps. I've used it only once and my knee feels better already. If you're interested, it's the HotCold Therapy Wrap by Pro-Tec Athletics.

Comments

Unknown said…
Yay! Sounds like Run:Walk success. I thought you might surprise yourself and I think you did!!
March 11, 2009 at 5:20 AM
Sarah said…
Sounds like you found something that works well for you. I am looking forward to reading about you liked it for 12 miles. Hope your knee is feeling better soon!
March 11, 2009 at 6:36 AM
Mel-2nd Chances said…
Great! I found that when i did my HM, i can keep a faster pace while running too with the brief little walk breaks to catch my breath... hope the knee keeps feeling better! :)
March 11, 2009 at 7:52 AM
Anonymous said…
Interesting, you are much faster this way. Maybe that's the way for you to go right now. Main thing is that you enjoy it. Great job!
March 11, 2009 at 8:22 AM
tfh said…
Thanks for sharing your experience! How cool to see the difference in speed. But disappointing about your knee. Hopefully the rest will do it good.
March 11, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Felice Devine said…
Sounds good!
I have that ice pack, too, and like the way it works. Glad it seems to be helping.
March 11, 2009 at 9:54 AM
joyRuN said…
Good to hear it went smoothly!
March 11, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Marathonman101108 said…
Good luck with the knee. PLEASE keep us updated about walk/run. I'm thinking about trying it myself, so your input will be greatly appreciated!
March 11, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Anonymous said…
Sounds like it really works for you! Can't wait to hear about your next long run.

Hope your knee feels better soon.
March 11, 2009 at 6:39 PM
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